Carlos J. Finlay Historical Museum of Science

The
building from 1678, former Real Academy of Medicine,Physics and Natural
Sciences of Havana, became the museum since 1868. Some years later it
had the first museum in Cuba, inaugurated in May 19th,1874, and sponsored
by the Real Academy. It was also a convent of the order Agustinos, the
first Anatomic Museum in the country and the first school of engineering
in Cuba.

Carlos J. Finlay Historical Museum of Science inherited the collections
of these institutions and the building was declared National Monument,
due to the historical events it witnessed. Among them are the presentation
made by Doctor Carlos Juan Finlay announcing to the world the discovery
of the transmitter of the yellow fever, and a public speech made by the
scientist Albert Einstein, during his visit to Cuba.

The
museum’s rooms show the first steps of science in the greatest of
the Antilles, the history of the Real Academy of Science of Havana and
the participation of physicians in the wars of independence; a pharmacy
of the 19th century; a scientific laboratory at that time and a brief
information about science at international level.
It also has an art gallery and a valuable library with more than 95 volumes,
a historical holding of manuscripts from the 19th century and Carlos J.
Finlay’s personal objects.